The National Fish & Chip Awards 2026 once again brought together some of the most passionate and talented people in the UK fish and chip industry. Widely recognised as the most prestigious event in the sector, the awards celebrate the businesses and individuals who continue to raise the standard of fish and chips across the country.

It was a fantastic day and evening that captured the pride, dedication and community spirit that runs through the industry.

One of the highlights of the night was seeing Rob celebrating with the team at The Scrap Box in York, run by brothers Aman and Gavin Dhesi, who were named Takeaway of the Year. Their hard work, creativity and commitment to quality clearly impressed the judges, and it was great to see them recognised on such a big stage.

Events like the National Fish & Chip Awards are about more than just trophies. They give the industry an opportunity to come together, share ideas and recognise the people who are pushing standards forward every year.

The level of competition continues to grow, and simply reaching the finals is a huge achievement. Behind every nomination is a team that has spent years refining their processes, improving quality and striving to deliver the best possible experience for their customers.

Why the National Fish & Chip Awards Matter for Fish and Chip Shops

For fish and chip shop owners, the National Fish & Chip Awards represent one of the highest honours in the industry.

The awards celebrate excellence across many areas of running a successful shop, including:

• Fish frying skills
• Customer service
• Menu development and innovation
• Sustainability and sourcing
• Community involvement
• Marketing and business performance

Winning an award or being shortlisted shows that a business is operating at the very highest level.

For customers, the awards are also a helpful guide. Many people actively seek out award-winning fish and chip shops when visiting new towns or coastal areas, knowing they are likely to experience some of the best fish and chips in the country.

Behind every successful shop is a careful balance of key elements:

• High-quality ingredients
• Skilled fish friers
• Efficient kitchen workflow
• Reliable frying temperatures
• Professional fish-frying equipment

When these elements come together, they allow teams to deliver consistent results day after day.

Celebrating the 2026 National Fish & Chip Awards Winners

The 2026 awards recognised a number of outstanding businesses and individuals who continue to make a significant impact in the industry. It was also fantastic to see a number of Florigo customers take home awards during the evening:

• The Scrap Box in York – Takeaway of the Year & Marketing Initiative
• Trenchers of Whitby – Restaurant of the Year
• Donna Whitfield from Bells Fish & Chips in Durham – Employee of the Year
• James Ellams from Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove in Chester – Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year
• Bells Fish & Chips in Seaham – Community Engagement
• Harrison’s Fish and Chip Co in Oxford – Menu Innovation
• David Miller from Millers Fish & Chips – Outstanding Contribution to the Industry

Reaching the finals in a competition of this scale is a clear reflection of the commitment these businesses have to quality and consistency.

Florigo Customers Celebrating Success at the Awards

It was particularly rewarding to see a number of Florigo customers recognised as winners and finalists during the evening. Their success reflects the passion and professionalism that many operators bring to their businesses every day.

Congratulations to all of the fantastic finalists, including:

• Shaws Fish & Chips – Barnsley
• Squires Fish Restaurant & Takeaway – Braunton
• No1 Cromer – Norfolk
• Zak Bishop – Squires Fish Restaurant & Takeaway
• Hollie Hutton – Towngate Fisheries, Bradford
• Abigail Barker – Millers Fish & Chips, Haxby
• Linfords Traditional Fish & Chips – Market Deeping
• Issi Fish & Chips – Reykjanesbær

Reaching the finals in a national competition of this scale is a clear reflection of the commitment these businesses have to quality and consistency.

The Role of Professional Fish Frying Equipment in Award-Winning Shops

While awards are ultimately won by the people behind the counter, the equipment used in a fish and chip shop plays an important role in helping teams achieve consistent results.

Operators striving for excellence understand that the right equipment supports their team in several key ways.

Consistent Frying Temperatures: Maintaining stable oil temperatures is essential for producing the crisp batter and perfectly cooked chips that customers expect.

Modern frying ranges are designed to deliver fast recovery times and stable cooking conditions, even during the busiest service periods.

Efficient Kitchen Workflow: A well-designed frying range can significantly improve how a kitchen operates.

By supporting smooth workflow and increasing cooking capacity, shops can serve customers quickly without compromising on quality.

Improved Oil Management: Oil quality has a direct impact on flavour, texture and operating costs.

Advanced frying systems help operators maintain cleaner oil, extend oil life and reduce waste, all of which contribute to a more efficient operation.

Reliability and Long-Term Performance: Fish and chip shops depend on equipment that performs consistently every day.

High-quality frying ranges are built to handle the intense demands of busy service while maintaining the reliability operators need.

How Innovation Is Shaping the Future of Fish & Chips

The fish and chip industry continues to evolve as operators explore new ways to improve quality, sustainability and customer experience.

Some of the developments shaping the future of the industry include:

• Energy-efficient frying equipment
• More sustainable seafood sourcing
• Creative menu development
• Improved shop design and kitchen workflow
• Greater use of digital ordering and marketing

These innovations allow modern fish and chip businesses to remain competitive while still protecting the traditions that customers value.

Events like the National Fish & Chip Awards highlight just how much ambition and creativity exist across the sector.

Supporting Fish and Chip Shops That Strive for Excellence

At Florigo, we are proud to support fish and chip businesses that aim to deliver the very best quality every day. From independent takeaways to nationally recognised restaurants, the goal is always the same: to serve consistently excellent fish and chips to every customer who walks through the door.

When skilled operators combine strong standards, great ingredients and high-performance frying equipment, the results can be exceptional. And as the National Fish & Chip Awards demonstrate each year, the industry continues to push standards even higher.

Congratulations to Everyone Who Took Part

Congratulations to everyone who reached the finals or took home awards at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2026. The dedication, skill and hard work behind the scenes are what make this industry so special. It was also great to see so many familiar faces and celebrate the success of businesses that continue to raise the standard of fish and chips across the UK.

Here’s to another year of innovation, collaboration and outstanding fish and chips.

Looking to Elevate Your Fish & Chip Shop?

Whether you are opening a new fish and chip shop, upgrading your frying range or looking to improve efficiency and consistency, having the right equipment can make a real difference.

At Florigo, we work with fish and chip businesses across the UK to deliver high-performance frying ranges designed for reliability, efficiency and exceptional cooking results. If you would like to learn more about our equipment or discuss your shop’s requirements, our team would be happy to help. Get in touch with us today.